Appeals, Writs, and Trials Attorney - Los Angeles

Job Description and Duties

Deputies in the Appeals, Writs, and Trials Section of the Criminal Law Division handle felony criminal appeals and related writs, including those in death penalty cases, before the state superior courts, the California Courts of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court. Deputies also respond to federal habeas corpus petitions in the United States District Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Federal habeas litigation may involve discovery and evidentiary hearings. State and federal work routinely requires completion within narrow time frames. Deputies can expect frequent oral arguments in the California Courts of Appeal, as well as occasional appearances in the California Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Los Angeles office also handles recusal motions and trial matters in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid position under the current DOJ telework policy, which is subject to modification. Deputies must reside in California, preferably in the metropolitan Los Angeles area of Southern California. The position provides the opportunity to work remotely or in the office, or a combination of both, but some in-office attendance is required. Travel and in-person attendance is required for most court appearances, trials and trial-related matters, and other operational needs. Deputies new to the Appeals, Writs, and Trials Section will be required to report to the office one or more times per week during their training period. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.
• Deputies must be active members of the California State Bar.

• If you submit your application by mail, please contact the HR consultants to confirm it has been received.
• Clearly indicate the Job Control Code ( JC-527284) and the title of this position in the “Examination or Job Title for Which You Are Applying” section located on the first page of your STD 678 State Application.

• Individuals who are new to State service must have list eligibility in order to gain employment with the Office of the Attorney General. The process is described at:

• Please note that appointment to the DAG classifications will be made using the following examinations:

  • DAG/Attorney exam – less than 5 years of experience: DAG/Attorney Examination

  • DAG III exam– at least 5 years of legal experience: 
  • DAG IV exam– at least 6 years of legal experience: 

    
    You do not have to take an exam before you apply for a job. However, you must complete and pass the exam to be eligible for hire.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

An interest in and talent for detailed legal research and writing; strong oral advocacy skills; an ability to work efficiently under substantial time pressure; knowledge of criminal laws and procedures; trial advocacy experience; a willingness to travel as required on cases.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the website.

Additional Application Filing Information

Please note, if using the United States Postal Service for delivery, there is no guarantee that your application will be date stamped and will arrive by the final filing date. If your application does not have a postmark or date stamp and arrives after the final filing date, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof of delivery prior to the final filing date. If mailing your application, please reach out to the HR contact listed to ensure your application has been received.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - A personal statement, no longer than two pages in length, explaining your interest in the position and why you are qualified for the position.
• Other - Writing sample preferably written in the last three years.